I would like to try Changes Only backups (have done only full backups so far).

The User Manual states that employing Use Metadata Hash Files "in conjunction with Create Sector Hash Files can greatly decrease the time required to create the backup." So I am thinking I will use both options, except that there is this ominous warning: "NOTE: You should only use this option if you understand its impact on backup and restore operations." Can you please explain what this refers to? I'd rather have a slower BU if the result is less reliable or there is some other risk.

Another relevant quote from the Manual:

Use Directory Data in Metadata Hash – Enable this option to have Image for Windows look at the full contents of directories to calculate the metadata hash. This can prevent validate byte-for-byte errors due to normal and safe changes in the directory area, but requires more processing gathering information.

Any reason not to choose the above setting if I am going to enable Use Metadata Hash Files?

Thanks so much, Dr. Teeth. Decided to check in and found your reply today; don't know why I did not get the e-mail notification.

I did my first changes-only BU of the partition that holds most of my data today, and it took only 1½ minutes, so that's fast enough.

I am generally using VSS, which, as I understand things, should avoid the risks of /usemd, but since my BU took so little time, I'll not take any chances with /usemd. I will leave "Create Sector Hash Files" checked, as that is now the recommended default and apparently does not add risk.

CV

DrTeeth wrote:> > >Any reason not to choose the above setting if I am going to enable Use> Metadata Hash Files?> > They are more risky than not using them. More info here> https://tinyurl.com/ydbycwa4, it's a forum thread here.